Santa Fe police said the factory sat empty until a man rented the space, saying he needed the huge walk-in freezers for a restaurant he was planning to open. However, authorities said it wasn’t home cooking that people at nearby businesses smelled.

"Sometimes we'll come in in the morning, and it would just hit you like a train, but I couldn’t tell what it was. It was a funny smell," said one business owner, who asked to remain unnamed.

Police said they got a tip, and when they went to check it out, they were immediately hit by the strong scent of marijuana. Inside the old factory, police said officers found a sophisticated, high-tech operation with a full irrigation system, all set up in and around the walk-in freezers.

Detectives confiscated 113 plants and 30 pounds of processed weed found in suitcases, valuing about $180,000.

"(It's) right in the heart of a business community. There were several other businesses surrounding it. There was a business right next door that was conducting their day-to-day operations, and this was taking place, pardon the pun, right under their nose," said Capt. Aric Wheeler, of the Santa Fe Police Department.

Police are searching for 34-year-old Marshall Duran, who they said fled. Duran will be facing trafficking charges.

Officers said Duran also previously pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

The owner of the building told police he had no idea what was going on.